YinTx

Drew up some, traced some, carved it all. Took the shading in further on the "stickers" or leaves, but not too sure how to bevel and shade that leaf on the left. After I figure that out, have to make 3 more for a set! 3.5"x3.5" coaster. I have since burnished the edges. Enjoy. YinTx

Video settings, speed 2x, now 6 minutes and done. Plus, changes the tone of Sam if you so desire. Awesome video, to go along with that Duncan mold I just acquired... can't wait. Thanks for pointing the way! YinTx

This is the way to use it. Reduced, with a lot of buffing! After a seal, you should expect no rub off. It is a beautiful dark black, but a bit of work to get there. I've used vinagaroon as well, sometimes with luck, and a couple of times ruined the piece with too much baking soda neutralizer. This didn't show up until a year or so after use. I just stick with the dye now to avoid the risk. I did like the color I got with the 'roon tho. I'll be curious to see what you end up using, and how it works for you, @TLP. YinTx

I also found that with Tiger thread, when you tamp the stitch down, that "twist" can disappear. Otherwise, yeah frustrating. I enjoy my linen threads for this reason as well: I don't have the issue since they are round! YinTx

I have used Angelus dyes, and I like the colors that I get - the winetone is one of my favorites. However, I do get a ton of rub off with them as well. My experience, anyhow. YinTx

As far as natural, the only thing I would think of would be beeswax, but not really a "sealant" in the purest sense of the word. As mentioned, the oils lubricate/nourish the leather, but do not provide protection or seal in any colorants. YinTx

I think they are both alcohol based, but the "Pro" or "Oil" dyes are a different beasts. The USMC Black is a pigment dye, with a lot of pigment, so it will come off for a long time with all the buffing. The "Pro" dye seems to bind and not buff off very much, which is nice. I have used the Eco Flo black dye with luck in the past, no rub off, but that is different to apply and many aren't able to get it down pat. YinTx

Very elegant, well done. Look forward to seeing more! YinTx

Turned out perfect! And the photo cracks me up: the calendar in the back says "Resolve to be more fit" with two boxes of snacks in front of it, and a jolly ol Saint Nick, whose belly.. well you know! at first I thought it said "Resolve to be more fat!" YinTx

Fiebeng's Black Pro Oil dye worked well for me in the past. Unless you like to buff and buff and buff, stay away from the USMC Black that Fiebeng's sells. YinTx

Thanks for the youtube version, I was able to speed it up and watch the thing to the end! Great set up you all have! YinTx

Nice! Looks a bit like what I was trying to sketch in my previous post, yours is better I'd say! YinTx http://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/82325-did-a-floral-drawing-for-a-strap-is-it-worth-tooling-help-me-improve-it/

Dude, wth? and OMG! awesome piece! and 6 sides of leather? how much does this thing weigh? YinTx

Thank you. That was a bit of a challenge on the thin leather, I think it did ok! YinTx

Awesome new skill! YinTx

Thanks! I am glad you see an improvement. YinTx

Nice work! I believe that one should last a long time, and not fall apart! YinTx

In my younger days studying agriculture, I learned that Nature abhors a vacuum. And that, my friend, is a vacuum. Best secure the bank account and credit cards, stay away from leather goods sales and tools... and desks... and tables... and machines....it will be filled. Fantastic work space for sure, all it needs is a lot of light! and all the aforementioned items.... YinTx

Some realism in that one! Nicely done. YinTx

Man alive, thats a lot of work in that rig! came out fantastic YinTx

Yeah, I did the first version like you suggested, it did not come out well at all, and I fussed with it until it was a disaster. I think the illusion on this flower is it "sinks" into the center of the flower, and I think it came out looking better when I did it this way around. If you look at F.O. Baird's image, there is pretty much no shading on the petals. Just another of those things I had to rethink in order to tool his design. I'll put a comparison photo of the two pieces now that I've antiqued em both. Probably a personal preference on this flower. Thank you sir! Glad you like em! I keep tryin to get better each time... First version on 7.5 oz Hermann Oak leather: Second version on 3 oz Hermann Oak leather: (I think I got the front petals better than the rear.. but)

That is a whole lotta work! Awesome! YinTx

Wow those look great. I am really liking the maple bird's eye look, but the contrasting end caps from the walnut looks really good too. Seeing this gave me ideas for tooling along the top, then along the sides. I'll probably need a paper template of the final dimensions before I draw out the design. This is going to be awesome when it is done! YinTx

The smiles on the last photo say it all. Absolutely great work, from design to completion! YinTx

Not to worry, I have lots of work lined up that I have been putting off, glad to hear you are feeling better, the creepin cruds are the worst. I found a piece of grape vine about 1.5" in diameter, really light and seemed strong. How do you know what will work as a good walking stick? I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do with the tooling bit... YinTx